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M.P. slams Tietjens over Union, ex-Manager row

(Photo: Samoa Observer)

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By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu,
22 October 2017

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Member of Parliament, Faumuina Wayne Fong, says the decision by the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) to replace the Manager of the Manu Samoa Sevens three months into her contract is a sign they are not sure about what they are doing.

He has also strongly criticised Manu Samoa Sevens Coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens, over the handling of the matter.

Faumuina said he was unsure whether Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the Chairman of the S.R.U, had anything to do with the decision.

“One of the things that is sickening about this is that we have a coach, who was hired by S.R.U, who has not even delivered a championship for the sevens team, have a say in the termination of Theresa,” Faumuina said.

“How can a failed coach come in and make demands on what to do when the fact of thematter is he’s the one who should be sacked?"

“He was hired before Theresa, and she did not have a chance to be a part of any of the H.S.B.C. World Series tournament slated for next month."

“She wasn’t even given a chance to prove whatshe can deliver. How can someone, who is a failure, come and determine the fate of a manager who just started working?

“She’s yet to prove what she can deliver.”

With all due respect to Gordon, but he needs to step down, the M.P. pointed out.

Faumuina’s comments follow the Union’s decision to replace Leulua’iali’i Theresa Passi with Shalom Senara. The move that does not sit well with the M.P.

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“The Samoa Rugby Union continues to play around with people,” he told the Sunday Samoan. “Their decision is unfair to Theresa."

“After going through the lengthy and difficult interview process and they replace her with another person? This is sign of unertaintly in the Samoa Rugby Uniuon and it comes back to management skills.”

Faumuina said the Union needs to trust its own people in Samoa.

“Samoa needs to invest in her own people. Local coaches understand how our system works and they understand our financial sitaution."

“They know we don’t have any money. Even local players they know we don’t play for the money because they know the Union does not have any money.”

Asked for a comment, S.R.U. Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, said: “The Samoa Rugby Union has moved on from that matter."

“We have nothing to say, on behalf of Coach Sir Tiejen Gordon and I with regards to the issue on the former manager."

“This issue is dead to us. However in terms of the performance by Sir Tietjens, the S.R.U. conducted his work performance and the Union did not opt for any termination."

“Sir Tietjens conducted his presentation before the Union of his performace during his first year. I will not go into details."

“The Union does not tolerate anyone not working up to standard."

“We have processes in place when it comes to work performances and that is what the Union looks to when managers and key staff appears before the Union for work performance.”